Improving Vision With Nutrition – The Benefits of Lutein and Zeaxanthin for Aging Eyes

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In the United States today one of the major health challenges faced by aging Americans is the increase in the incidence of age related vision disorders such as Macular Degeneration and Cataracts. For example, The Centers for Disease Control estimates that the number of Americans suffering from Age Related Macular Degeneration is around 1.8 million people. Additionally, the worldwide figure is estimated at 25 million. This condition negatively affects the part of the eye called the Macular which is responsible for sharper eyesight and if left untreated can lead to vision loss. If you are a part of this risk group you are concerned about the steps you can take to protect your eyesight and reduce your risk for these eye diseases. According to the American Optometric Association there are 2 particular nutrients that are critical to protecting the visual system from age related vision disorders and these nutrients are Lutein and Zeaxanthin. Therefore, here are 3 benefits of Lutein and Zeaxanthin for safeguarding the health of aging eyes:

1. Reduces Risk For Macular Degeneration: According to the American Optometric Association, one of the largest studies conducted on the effects of Lutein and Zeaxanthin on age related Macular Degeneration concluded the following: The Eye Disease Control Study revealed that individuals on a diet rich in Lutein and Zeaxanthin, in terms of the following recommended dosage of 5.8 mg per day, had a significantly reduced risk for ARMD as opposed to those who consumed just 1.2 mg of Lutein and Zeaxanthin daily. The study concluded that there was a strong relationship between a significantly reduced risk for ARMD and a diet rich in Carotenoid content found in green vegetables such as Spinach, Collard Greens and Broccoli.

2. Antioxidant Protection from Ultra Violet Rays of the Sun: According to WebMD Lutein and Zeaxanthin play a critical role in eye health due to their high antioxidant content. They protect the eyes from damaging free radicals, harmful high energy light waves and Ultra violet rays. Scientific research reveals that these Carotenoids ( yellowish pigments found in some plants that neutralize the damaging actions of free radicals in the body), are used as safeguards for the eyes in terms of the ability of the visual system to absorb excessive light energy and damaging light. These pigments act like natural sunglasses protecting the various parts of the eyes such as the Lens, Retina and Macular from harmful UV light.

3. May Reduce Risk For Cataracts: Scientific research suggests that increasing your consumption of these vision promoting nutrients is associated with a reduction in the risk for Cataracts. One particular study for instance, revealed that individuals whose diets consisted of a rich source of these vision promoting nutrients have demonstrated a reduced risk for Cataract extraction by 22%

There is indeed a relationship between diet and the quality of our eye health. When it comes to aging eyes the scientific and medical community agrees that incorporating vision promoting nutrients such as Lutein and Zeaxanthin into your diet on a daily basis, in the right recommended dosages, may reduce the risk for age related vision disorders like Macular Degeneration and Cataracts. While we cannot replace our eyes with new ones, ultimately, we can protect aging eyes from eye related eye disorders so that our eyes remain healthy even as we age.

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write by Maynard

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